Preparing Marine Engineers for AI-Driven Maritime Jobs and Skills Transition

Introduction
The “Future of Work” in maritime is not about replacing humans with robots, but about the “Human-AI Symbiosis.” The focus is on “Upskilling Sprints,” where mechanical engineers are trained to become “Data-Enabled Engineers” to support navigating the “Skills Paradox”. There is a need for deep traditional engineering knowledge combined with the ability to manage AI agents.

The challenge is managing a Transition for a large workforce. As automation increases, managers must lead strategies that redeploy labour from manual tasks to higher-value AI-oversight roles. This course focuses on workforce transformation, using the WEF Future of Jobs framework to ensure that no part of the engineering team is left behind in the digital shift.

Delegates will discuss how “Remote-First” and hybrid models can be used as recruitment tools to attract top digital talent who might otherwise avoid the maritime sector.

Learning Outcomes
1. Develop AI skills transition strategies that prioritise employee retention.
2. Align engineering career pathways with the 2026 hybrid and remote-work landscape.
3. Formulate organisational designs that support “Remote-First” engineering hubs.
4. Evaluate the impact of AI on the “Psychological Contract”.
5. Lead the cultural shift from manual oversight to AI-agent management.

Learning Objectives
1. Analyse future maritime engineering skills requirements.
2. Develop workforce transition strategies that mitigate the “Flexibility Tax”.
3. Align engineering careers with AI transformation pathways and digital workplace trends.
4. Identify the “Core vs. Peripheral” skills in the modern “Flexible Firm”.
5. Compare traditional versus hybrid engineering roles in terms of productivity and satisfaction.
6. Map a “Career Lifecycle” for the AI-enabled marine engineer from cadet to manager.